Cutting machine



R. C. SIMMONS CUTTING MACHINE July 31, 1923- Filed July 15. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet l July 31, 1923- R. C. SIMMONS CUTTING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 15 z i. l .1 l/ gg/f/fll52 g??? Patented July 31 1923.

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RALPH G. SIMMONS,- 0F BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS; ASSIGNOR TO UNITED SHOE MA- CHINERY CORPORATION, OF EATER-SON, -NEVZ JERSEYY A CORPORATION OF- NEW JERSEY.

CUTTING MACHINE. i 1];

Application filedJ'uly lea sefiai' iio 396335.".

. T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I,"RAL1 H C. SIMMONS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Beverly, in thec'ounty of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvementsfin"Cutting Machines, of which ures.

the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like reference cha'racterson the drawings indicating like parts in the several fig- This invention relates to machines for cutting blanks from sheet material.

According to one of the methods hertofore'practised sheet material is placed upon the cutting bed of a beam 'dinker and a freely movable die positioned successively over various portions of the material and:

forcedtherethrough bythe beam during the reciprocation of the latter. Themost seriousobjection to this apparatus resides in the danger which attends the joperationof placing thedie by hand and holding it dur-' ing the operation of the machine. Furthermore, the work is slow and-laborious since the die must be emptied by theoperator when it be'comes'full of blanks and these Y blanks placed by hand in a magazine or otherwise in stacked relation. Another well known type of machine for cutting blanks from scrap or waste a sheet material com: prises one or a plurality of dies fixed in a support with cutting'edges facing upwardly and through which the, blanks are discharged downwardly .into receptacles or magazines placed below the dies; If the blanks are discharged looselyinto receptacles they must be reassembled in stacked relation before being operated upon in other machines. 711301].

the other hand, magazines are provided below the dies, such magazines must have provision at each end for detachablyjretaining them in position so that they may be'emptied when full and also means such aslafollower must be provided with each magazine so that the blanks fwillgbe properly received there in and maintained in stacked relation and hencethe magazine is more or less complicated in constructionand is not adaptedfor use With other machines designed to utilize the blanks in manufacturing operations uses and applications.

especially eff cient in operation and"free rom the dlsa'dvantagesj which have restricted the usefulness of prior constructions. The

inventionis shown byway'of illustration as embod ed 1n; 'a'machine for cutting blanks from scrap or wastefsheet' material but it w 1 llf be I understood that various important features of the invention:

' In one aspect the invention contemplates theproylslon offa die having itscutting edge racing downwardly and through whichthe may I have other blanks are forced upwardly 'by means of a cutting block reciprocable relatively to the i die so that the blanks pass in properly stacked relation through the die and into a detachable magazine above the die and in alinement therewith? Such armagazine'may be of the simplest'construction "adapted for removal with its contents from the machine and for insertion into another machinedeslgned to perform' other operations on the I blanks r In another aspect the invention resides in an organization comprising a cutting :block which 'approxnn'ates' closely in size and shape to the .area defined by the cutting edge' of the diewherebythe workfsupporting surface of thej putting block serves as v a "gage for positioning the work so that thejblank may be out from the sheetmaterial with the minimum of waste.

' In still "another aspect the invention com} I prises a die and "cutting block which are relatively movable to cutblanks' from sheet material "and improved meansjfor causing such relative movement of thedie and block which may be manually" operated to bring the material on the cutting blo'ckiinto contact with the cutting edge of the die in such manner as to ensure against alldanger of serious injury to the operatorbeforethe ap 1 plication of power to cause a cutting opera: tion, the power means being conveniently controlled by the same .manually operable means utilized in causinglthe preliminary approaching movement of the die and block.

Preferably the connectionbetwecn themanually operable controlling means and the power means is such that no repetition of the power operation of the machine can take place upon a single actuation of the controllingmeans. r

In order that scrap or waste sheet material may be utilized to the bestadvantage, it is desirablethat a plurality of cutting devices be provided-each consisting of a die and cut*. ting block differing in size from that next adjacent thereto and arranged so that the largest die and block areat one end of a row ofcutting devices which decrease in size progressivelyirom one end. of the row to the other. Important features "or the described organization reside in,the provision of means for mounting the cutting blocks and the dies and their corresponding magazines in such manner that all arereadily detachable from the machine so that others of adifi eren't-size may be readily substituted whenthejconditionsor the work make such substitution either "necessary or desirable;

Other features of. importance :in the organs iz'ed machine relateto a single actuator for.

operating the various cutting devices selectively' 'a-t "the will of the operator and improved connections between each cutting device and the actuator designed to insure against repeating movements'or the parts of the device upon a' single actuation of the manually operable controlling means.

Otherfeatures of importance'a'nd other combinations of the parts of the machine will be described in the specification and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the dirawingst- I Figure'l is 'a View in perspective, and partly in section, of the illustrative machines Fig. '2 is a view in side elevation and partly :in section of the machine shown in Figure 1;

.Fig. 3 is a detail view of a part of the toggleope'rati'ng mechanism showing it in a different position from'that disclosed in Figure 2; 1

' Fig. 4 is a more or less diagrammatic representation of a modified arra-ngement oti the cutting devices looking down on the machine from abovegf and V V i r Fig.5 shows a piece or sheet material with a blank outlined thereon;

In the illustrativejmachine there is disclosed a plurality of blank cutting devices arrangedin a row and comprising each a .die 6 and a cutting block 8, the said devices being preferably so arranged that. the largest blanks will be out at, one'end or the rowandthe smallest at the opposite end of the row and with the intermediate devices arranged in'gradation in-accordance with the sizes of blanks formed ninety, The arrangement is suclrthat the operator who sits in front of "the machine may readily present the raeaeee pieces of sheet material to the cutting devices first to one and then to another as may be necessary in utilizing the material to the best advantagef During a cutting operation there is relative movement between the cutting block and the die to effect a cutting operation and, in the construction shown, the block moves upwardly to force the sheet material upon the cutting edge of the die and the blank completely into the die which is held stationary in the. machine. Conveniently the holding means for the die comprises a carrier 10 constructed to present a chamber for receiving the blanks from the hollow die, the die being bolted to the carrier as indica-ted'at 1'2, in Fig, 2 or the drawings. Preferably thecarrierand verhahging portion i l orjthe machine frame are provided with co-operatinggroo'ved and ribbed portions so that the carrier "may be attached to the frame through'a slid'iiig connection which, permits of its being readily assembled with the machine in, proper position and removed when it is desired to substitute a die and carrier of another size. As shown, the carrier is provided with grooves 16 (Fig; 2). at each side of its upper end which receives the ribs 18 l) on the "frame part 14,'an'y well known means being provided for retaining the carrier against displacement forwardly during the operations of the machine lvlea'ns is also provided for receiving the blanks from the carrier, the said means being preferably in the form ofa detachablemagazinefQOwhich is of the same shape in cross'sectilon as the carrier but slightly larger to rest securely on the upper end of the carriergand Which isheld in vertical alinement withjthe cjarrier by means of spaced upper'and lower holding members. 22 and 24L respectively, It is obvious that the magazinesare introduced from. above and passed downwardly into contact with the upper endlof the carrier and that when filled'they'inay be easily removed and either emptied or introduced into a machine designed'jto perform some other peration or operations on the blanks. As shown, the up'perend of, the: carrier is grooved or slotted at2'6'so that a finger'ot the operators hand may be introduced be neath the lower edge of the magazine toretain the blanks therein while the'magazine is being lifted from its receiving position. Mean in the form of a crossbar 28 is provided at the other end of the magazine for retaining the blanl'rs therein when the mag'azine is inverted. v

An important feature of the invention. relates to the construction of the'cutting block 8 and especially in so relating itin size'with respect to the die that the block serves as a'gage in positioning the work. 'Asshown, the block or at least the work supporting surtaco thereof approximates closely in size to the area defined by the cutting edge of'the die and hence a piece ofsheetmaterial if placed so that one or more edges thereof line 7 up closely with the edge'of the block will be properly positioned for an economical cutting operation and there will remain the very minimum of scrap or waste at the-termination of the-cutting operation. Furthermore, when blanks are being cut from pieces of leather or other material having perfora tions or defective portions or ragged edges, the block serves as a very efficient gaging means to determine whether aperfectblank block preliminary to cutting operation.

can be cut from the said piece, av perfect blank being inserted'if no perforation or other imperfection in the sheet material be:

located inside of the periphery of the cutting block when the "material is placed on the Moreover, as thefcutting'blocksunder the different dies differ in size progressively from one end ofthe row of cutting devices to the other end, it isipossible by testing the piece of material by placing'it on different Q cutting blocks to, determine readilythe largpivoted at 32 to the machine frame so that it maybe adjusted as desired.

The operating means for the cutting block comprises, in -the illustrative machine. a toggle consisting of two links 3-l and 36 pivoted together at 38, the upper link 34: be-

ing pivoted at'lO to" the lowenenjd of a,

plunger 42 which carries detachably the cutting block 8. Pivoted at 44 at the lower end of the other toggle link 36 is a heavy bolt 46 which passes through an opening in a rather thick shelf 48 extending along the front wall of the machine frame on the inside thereof. Lying between a collar 50 on the bolt 46andjtheupper surface of'thef shelf 48 and surrounding the'boltis a spring.

52which is undertension'and strong enough to take the thrust of the toggle during cutting'operations. For operating the toggle to lift the cuttingblocktoward the die there is provided a lever in the form-of a treadle 54 pivoted at 56in the frame of the machine connection being made between the treadle.

at the rear end thereof and anarm 5.8 on the lower toggle link 36by means of 'a rod 60 which is pivoted onia pin62 extending laterally from the rear end' of the treadle'and has its upper end passing's'lidably through a stud 64 extending laterally ffrom and swiveled in the 'en'do'f the'arm 58. Aspring' 66 surrounds the [upper end of the connecting rod 60 between acollar 68'0n the'rod and a surface on the stud 64 and provides a yieldingconnection between the treadle and the lower toggle link whereby depression of the treadle 54 results in a yielding actuation of the cutting block through the toggle mech anism. This is especially desirab-le since it permits the operator to position the piece of 7 material on the cutting block and'by actuation of the treadle lift the cutting block toward the die while maintainingtlie piece in proper position on, the block without danger of injury to the hand Should one of the fingers of the hand employed'in holding the piece of Work in position be inadvertently positioned so as to contact with ,v

the die, it would not be seriously injured .since theblock is elevatedthrough foot pres-.

sure, transmitted moreover through a spring 5 such as that shown at 66. Furthermore; the s operator is in control of the machineand has opportunity to remove hisfinger or other portion of the h'and'before'power actuation of the cutting block can take place. In other i 7 words, the power 'means'for operating the toggle'which'will now be described is so conv structed and arranged that it cannot be opother part of the hand. I v Power means is provided as abovestated for causing such an'operation'of the toggle mechanism as willefiect cutting operations on material interposed between the cutting block and the die, the saidmeans, in the V illustrative machine, comprising a shaft 78 which isdriven continuously from a source of" power, not shown, the said shaft being supportedat intervals by brackets 80 extending inwardlyfrom' the rear wall of the frame of the machine; 'Located at'regular intervals on the shaft and fixed thereto iska Zeratively connected tothe toggle while the block is spacedsufiiciently'from'the die to admit ofthe interposition'of the fingeror plurality of eccentrics ofwhich one is shown 7 at 82 (Fig. 2 of the drawings). ;Surrou"nding the eccentric 82-is an'e'centric strap 84:1

rigid with a pitman' or'connectingrod 86, theoute'r end *of; which is supported mow ably by a. link 88 pivoted upon-a shaft '90 extending lengthwise of the machine and parallel with the shaft 7 8 and supported in' a plurality .ofbearings 92 extending downwardly from flanges integralwith the'frame of the machine; Since the shaft 78 is run ning continuously it follows that the'pit:

man or connecting rod 86 is constantly-re ciprocated and. when connected operatively with the toggle mechanisml it causes power operation of the toggle andof the cutting block to efie'ctfa cuttingfoperation on the sheet' fmaterialf Connected to th'efpivot38. of thetoggle is a' link Q L'the other end of which isnivotedat 96 to a link 98 pivotally susoended fromthe shaft 90. Fixed to the under surface of the link 94 near one end 'tion between the lower end of thereof is a hardened block 100 which presents a shoulder adaptedto engage and interlock with a similar shoulder on a secon hardened block 102 secured in the end of the pitman or connecting rod 86. For lifting the pitman 86 so that the plate 102 on its outer end will engage with the plate 100, there is provided a. connecting bar 1% extending between the pitman and the rear end of the treadle. In the illustrative construction, this bar engages a pin 106011 the end of the pitinan 86, the pin riding in a slot 108 in the bar 104k and in a slot 109 in the lower end oi? the link 88. The conned the bar 10 1- and the treadle is formed by means of a shoindcred portion 110 spaced from the lower end of the connecting bar and arranged to over the pin 62 which extends laterally from the end of the treadle lover. Moiuited in the'frainc of the machine at its ends is a rod or bar 112 which opcrates to prevent the lower end of the connecting bar 10 1 from contacting with the treadle loverat a certain period in the operation of the machine as will be hereinafter described. In order that the bar 112 may not interfere with the proper operation of theconnecting bar 1041., the latter is cut away along a certain portion of? its length as at 114. The operation of this part of the mechanism may be briefly described as iol lows: Depression of. the treadle lever 54: re

sults first in a movementof the toggle toward straightened position because of the connecting rod between the treadle and the arm 58 on the lower toggle link 86 and during this part of the movement of the toggle, the pitman or connecting rod 86 is unaffected since there is a lost motion connection between the treadle and the said' pitman provided by the slot 108 in the connecting bar 104. The upward. movement of the cutting block 8 under direct control of the treadlo 54 brings the cutting block close to the edge of the dieso that the piece of work on the block contacts with the die and thus there no room or space for the finger of the operator between the work and the die. Continued depression of the treadle 54: finally lifts the pitman or connectingrod 86 to a position where the block 102 thereon is in aplane with the'block 100 on the link 94 which, in the meantime, is moved slightly downwardly and to the right (see dotted lines in Fig. 2.) whereupon engagement of the blocks takes place upon. movement of the pitmanto the'right with the result that'the toggle is powenoperated and the cutting block is forced upwardly causing a cutting of the blank and the. introduction of the cut blank into the hollow die6. Preferably; the toggle is not completely straightened to ef feet a cutting operation but stops short of such a position. asv shown in Fig. 3 so that as the pitman 86 moves in the reverse direo tion, the toggle at once breaks under the weight otthe parts andpermits the cutting block to drop away from the die.

ty feature of the construction, the power means is disconnected from the treadle near the termination of theiiorward movement of the pitman 86. Conveniently the construction is such that-the connecting bar 10% conu intocontact with the stationary barliQ so that its lower end is move-fl relatix ly away from the pin 62 at the end of the treadlie ig. 3;) and hence the connecting bar 10% may drop freely, sliding on therear surface ol the bar 112' and on the pin 106. Hence at the termination 01'? the forward movement o-t the pitman the bar 104 drops to dotted lineoosition in F ig. 3, in which position it is Iree of the treadle and cannot be actuated by the treadle until the latter has been allowed to return to initial position. ltwili heclear that as soon as the pitman 86 releases itself from engagement with the block 100 on the link 9% it will drop and cannot again engage with the said block to effect a power operation ot'the toggle mechanism until the treadlehas been released and the pin 62 thereon lowered. to engage beneath the shoulder 110 on the con necting bar 1041 It is'to be understood that a toggle mechanism and operating means therefor is proyided for eachcuttingdevice and operated from the independently pivoted treadle s 54. 7

-ln Figure 4 of the drawings there is shown diagrammatically a representation of the cutting devices arranged in a semi-circle. thus bringing the end cutting devices nearer to the operator than is possible in the an rangement shown in F igure 1 where all the cutting devices are arranged in a straight line. This figureshows very clearly the difference in the size of the adjacent cutting blocks from one end of the machine to the other. Conveniently, the mirror of Figure 2 is replaced by a plurality of mirrors 116 in F igure i. -It will be clear, moreover, that'the shaft 78 shown in Figures 1 and 2 as furnishing the power for all of the toggle mechanisms must be replaced in Figure tby a plurality oi shafts which can be driven by means easily provided by the skilled mechanic.

lln' operatingwith this machine to out blanks from sheet material. the operator will sit at the front of themachine intermediate of the ends of the line of cutting devices and will present pieces of work in proper position'on the cutting blocks, selecting the cutting block which will give the best results with the piece of material in hand. After positioning a piece of work, such as shown at 120 (Fig. 5), on the block by the aid of the block as a gage, the proper treadle is depressed and themachine caused to separate a blank from the material resting on the cutting block. Theseoperations are repeated, having regard to the best utilization of the material, until one or more of the magazines 20 have been filled. When this occurs the filled magazine may be readily removed as above described and an empty magazine substituted therefor. As indicated above, both: the die and the cutting block at any particular station may be removed and a die and cutting block of another size substituted therefor so that blanks of a desired size may be provided in quantity from the material or the material on hand cut to better advantage.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is V 1. In a machine of-the class described, a die member and a cutting block member relatively movable toward and from each other during cutting operations, manually operable means for causing relative'approaching movement of the die and cutting block members, an operating connection between said means and one of the members, and power means for completing the movement of the operating connection to effect a cutting operation.

2. In a machine of the class described, a die, a cutting block movable toward and from the die during cutting operations, a manually operable member for causing relative approaching movement of the die and cutting block, a power transmitting member between the manually operable member and the block, and a constantly moving power means arranged to'be underthe control of the operator to be connected operatively to the power transmitting member for completing the movement to effect a cutting operation.

-3. In a machine of the character described, a die and a cutting block relatively- 7 of the die and cutting block, and a continuously' moving power means under the control of the operator and arranged to be connected operatively directly to the first men-- tioned means to efiect acutting operation. 7

4. In a machine of the class described, a dieand a cutting block relatively movable toward and from each other'during cutting operations, manually operable means for causing relative approaching movement of the die and cutting block comprising a toggle, and power means for completing-the movement of the toggle toefFect a cutting operation; 7 p i 5. In a machine of the class described, adie and a cutting block relatively movable toward and from each'other duringcuttingf gle for completing the movement to effect a cutting operation. p v

6. In a machineo'f the character described, a die and a cutting block relatively movable toward and from each other cutting oper ations, manually operable meansfor causing relative approaching movement of the die and cutting block, and a continuously reciprocable power member under the control of the operator and arranged to be connect= ed operatively to the first mentioned means to effect a cutting operation.

7 In a machine of the character described, a die and a cutting -block relatively movable toward and from each other in. cutting operations, manually operable means for causing relative approaching movements of the die and block comprising a toggle, and power means comprising a constantly reciprocating member arranged to be operatively connect ed with the toggle for causing such relative movement of the die and block as will effect a cuttingoperation. 5

8. In a machine of the class described, a hollow die forcutting and receiving out blanks, and a cutting block for co-operation with the die having an upwardly-facing work supporting surface of approximately the same size and shape as the area outlined by the cuttingedge ofthe die whereby the cutting block serves as a gage in positioning the work for cutting operations.

9. In a machine of the class described a hollow die, a carrier for the die constructed to provide an extension chamber for. receiving the blanks from the die, means for detachably supporting the carrier and the .die as a unit in proper position in the machine frame, a plunger movable toward and from the die, and a cutting block detachably, car ried bysaid plunger, the construction being such that both the die and the-cutting block may be removed and co-operating idies and cutting blocks of difi'erent sizesmay be introduced selectively into the machine.

10. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of sets of dies and cutting blocks arranged in sid'e-by-side relationship, each cutting block approximating closely in size.

to the size of its co-operating die, and means comprising a single power shaft for eflecting the co-operation of each die and block indeQ-Q: pendently of the other sets. .7

11. Ina machine ofthe class described,

plurality of cutting devices each comprising operating the cutting devices, and manually operable means" for controlling the power meanest as to elfe'ct a cutting operation selectively by any one of the cutting devices.

12.111 a machine of the character described, a plurality of cutting devices arranged in sideby-s'ide relationshipeach comprising a die and a cutting block having a work supporting surface approximating closely to the size or the area defined by the cutting edge of its co-oper'ating die, a power shaft for operatingthe cutting devices, and manually operable means for connecting the cutting devices selectively to said power shaft.

13. In a machine of the character described; a plurality of cutting; devices for cutting blanks or dilfe'rent sizes from sheet material, the said devices being arranged in a rewind-ea h comprising-a die and a cut-v ting blockhaving' a Work supporting surf-ace approximating closely to the area defined-by the cutting ed'ge of its I co-o'perating die, power means for operating the cutting devices, and manually operable means for seleetively connecting the power means to the cuttingdevi'ces to operate them ind'ep'end 'nt'ljv or each other.

14. In a machine of the class described, a cutting block and a die relatively movable toward and from each other to cut blanks from sheet material, a carrier for the die having ablank receiving chamber arranged in alignment with the blank receiving portion of the die, a magazine for receiving the blanks from. the die carrier, and means for detachably holding the die carrier and the magazine in the'niachiiie frame and in alinement with each other, so that both the die carrier and the magazine may beremoved and like parts of another size substituted therefor. V,

15. In 'a machine of the class described, a die and a cutting} block relatively movable "toward and from each other in cut operations, said block having: a work supporting surface approximating; closely in size to the area defined by the cuttin edge of the age, and a mirror located in the rear er the block to enable the opera-tor o place the material properly with respect to the rear edge otthe block. l6. Ina machine ot the class describ a die and'cattirrg block relativelvmov toward andfrom each other in cutti" er at ions, op rable means co in'g relative approaehin g n'iovements pffythe die and block, and power means controlled by the manually operable means an; causing power opera tion of the toggle to effect ciitting operations. v r v 17 "a machine of the character de- 1 7' a and a cutting b-loel: relatively movable toward and from each other in.

cutting operations, a toggle for causing said relative movements, manually operable means for operating the toggle directly to cause relative approaching movement of the die and block, constantly moving power means, and connections between said power means and the manually operable means for causing an operative connection between the power means and the toggle to cause power operation of the latter.'

18. In a machine of the class described, die, a block movable toward and from the die, a toggle for moviir the block, a manually operable lever connected to the toggl for moving the toggle to cause relative approaching movements of the die and bl clc, .a continuously rotating power shaft, a pitinan constantly operated from said shaft, and connections between said pitman and said lever for causing an operative connection between the pitr'na-n and the toggle to cause power operation of the latter for cutting blanks from sheet material.

19. In a machine of the class described, a die and a block relatively movable toward and from each other in cutting operations, a toggle for causing such relative movements, manually operable means for moving the toggle to cause relative approaching movements of the die and bloclc and power means for moving the toggle toward straightened position to effect a cutting operation', the construction being" such that the toggle is not 'con-i'pletely straightened during the cutting operation so that the toggle breaks of its own weight at the end of cutting operation. v

20. In a machine of "the class described, a die and a cutting block relativel; movable toward and from each other in cutting operations, manually operable niea-ns comprising; a toggle for causing relative approachinp; movements of the die and 'blo'cl continuously opera-ting power means, and connections between the said power means and the inanl'ially operable means for connecting the power mea'i'is with the toggle.

21. In a machine "of the class described. a die and a cutting block relatively movable toward and from each other in cutting opera' tio'ns- "a toggle for moving}; the block toward the die a manually :operable lever for operatii'i-g the toggle, power means for moving the toggle toward straio htcnw'l position "to effecta cutting operation and a spring for taking thethrust of the toggle and for assistin-Q n the "breaking; of the toggle after a cu ting iop'era t'ron.

22. In a machine of :Tthe class descrilunli a die "and 'a cutting'block relatively movable to effect cutting oper'ations, toggle for moving the cutting bloc-k lever for operating the tog gl-e to cause relative approaching mot ement of the die and cutting bloelg a continuously reciprocable toggle when connectedthereto, a connec ing" member between saidreciprocable'memb'er and the lever so arranged that an op'e'rating connectlon may be made between the con tinuou'sly reciprocable member and the toggle at the will ofthe operator, and means for causing adisconnection of said connecting member from said lever whereby a repetition of the power operation of the toggle upon a single actuation of said lever is prevented.

23. In a machine of the class described, a stationary die for cutting and receiving the cut blanks, and a cutting block movable upwardly toward the die and having an upwardly-facing work supporting surface of approximately the same size as the area outlined by the cutting edge of the die whereby the cutting block serves as a gage in positioning the work for cutting operations.

24. In a machine of the class described, a cutting block arranged to serve as a work support having a sharply defined boundary, a stationary die having its cutting edge tac- .ing downwardly to cut blanks from sheet material forced into the die by the cutting block, said cutting block being constructed to be approximately of the same size as the:

. die to serve as a gage for the work, and-a magazine above the die for receivingthe blanks therefrom.

25. In a machine'of the class described, a plurality of dies arranged in side-by-side relationship, a plurality of cutting blocks each mounted for movement toward its cooperative die independently of the-others and each approximating closely tothe size of its co-operating die, and means for efiecting at the will of the operator a co-opcrative movement of any selected die and block independently of the .others.

26. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of cutting devices, each comprising a die and a block relatively movable toward and from each other in cutting operations,

power means comprising a shaft for operating the cutting devices, an individual con nection between each cutting device and the shaft, and manually operable means for controlling each connection to the shaft so as to eli'ect selectively cutting operations by said cutting devices, the construction and arrangement being such that the cutting devices not operating remain stationary.

27. In a machine of the character I 'de scribed, a plurality of cutting devices, asingle actuator for operating the cutting de vices selectively at thewill of the operator, a connection between each cutting device and the actuator designed to insure against arepetition of a cutting operation by the cutting device, and a manually operable member for controlling the connection arrrjang'ed to be automatically i di'sconnected from 'thebcon'nection"during eachcycle of operations so that -thc' mcmb l' f be mov'eid-to in' tial position to gain control of the connection. l i i '28; In amach'ne of the: character described, a cuttingf'cliemember, a cutting block me1nber,'manually operable means'for causin relative a proachin movement of h I b the die and block members,power means and connections between the power means and 7 one of said members under the control of the I manually operable means for completing operative movement of the die and block member.

29. In a machine of the class described} a die having'a downwardly facing cutting edge, a cutting block for cooperation with;

the die, a plunger for moving the cutting block upwardlyto force materialupon'the cutting edge of the die and a magazine for receiving the blanks from the upper end of the die, said die, cut ting block andmagazine being all detach ably mounted so that others ofanother size throughoutmay be substituted therefor,

7 and to causefthe cut blanks to move upwardly through the die,

30. In' a machine of the character de- 5 V scribed, a cutting block arranged to project beyond its supporting structure so that the boundaries of the block are sharply defined, a die for co-operation with the cutting block,

and means forcausing relative movement be asurface' which cooperates with the die in" the cutting operations of an area' of approximately the same size and shape as the area defined by the cutting edge of the die, and having its boundaries sharply defined so as to serve as .a gagefor'the work, and means for causing relative movement between the die-and block to. effect cutting operations on the material interposed therebetween.

32. In a machine of the" character described, a plurality of cutting" devices of a 1 graduated range of sizes adapted to "out blanks of different sizes from sheet mate-f rial, said devices comprisingeach a'die anda cuttingblock of approximately the same size and shape as-it'sco-operatingdie, and means for causing relative movement between the dies and-cutting blocks to effect cutting operations on the sheet material. v I

33. In a machine of the character de scribed, a plurality of cutting devicesof a graduated range of sizes with the largest cutting device at one end of a row in Wh-ich 'the cutting devices are so disposed as to decrease progressively in size from one end 7 of the lOW to the other, each emitting device comprising a die and a cutting block of substantially the same size and shape as its cooperating die, and means for causing rela- RALPH s'IMMons. 

